Psychoanalysis has been used for years on countless patients searching for relief from internal struggles. While psychoanalysis has been met with extreme resistance by some, many still hold fast to its proven ability to promote emotional healing and recovery. While some remain wary of certain therapy methods, many are extremely loyal toward such treatments, claiming them to be their only hope in an otherwise hopeless world. What exactly is psychoanalysis and how is it used today? Does psychoanalysis really help people regain control of their life, or does it cause more damage than good? Gain insight into the methods used in psychoanalytic therapy by using the following guide.

Definition and History of PsychoanalysisPsychoanalysis is a version of psychotherapy invented by Sigmund Freud before the turn of the century. Like many of Freud’s discoveries and methods, psychoanalysis finds its roots in Vienna. Freud blamed the need for such a procedure on mental health issues that developed out of either unmet or traumatic sexual experiences. The procedure was also regarded to work on people who did not experience traumatic events and the results of this particular psychological derivative have been impressive.

While in traditional therapy the patient talks to the psychologist face-to-face, psychoanalytic therapy mandates that the therapist (analyst) face away from the patient. The one undergoing treatment is often lying down on a couch, and this image has long been mimicked and mocked in various movies throughout the years.

The reasoning behind the cold reception is found in the theory that having a patient look the analyst in the eyes would make them a friend or someone who is capable of judgment. By keeping some degree of anoniminity between patient and analyst, the client is able to release thoughts unhindered and transfer hurt emotions and memories onto the analyst. In turn, the analyst studies this transfer of thoughts, yielding results and insight then deemed helpful to the patient.

The psychoanalytic approach has been borrowed and used in other more traditional forms of psychotherapy, and almost all of psychology uses some variant of this original procedure. While most people who attend therapy undergo the more casual form of conversationalism or “talk therapy”, psychoanalysis is usually prevalent in the session, whether or not the client is aware of it.

The Good, the Bad and the SubconsciousJust as Freud was considered to be both a genius and crazy in his own time, his theories and methods continue to be cherished by some and met with disdain by others in the medical world. Psychoanalytic therapy can be beneficial, however like any other medical procedure, there are risks of things becoming worse rather than better. For this reason, all analysts are required to go through intense schooling and training until they are at last analyzed themselves to both test their level of experience and also to give them a chance to gain the viewpoint of the patient. This process can be daunting, but all licensed analysts must complete it.

This ensures patients receive the best quality of care possible, since all analysts have experienced and appreciate the rigorous demand of such a procedure.

According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), 26.2 of Americans suffer from some form of mental illness. This equals a staggering 57.7 million people battling dangerous thoughts and feelings. For this reason, procedures such as the psychoanalytic approach are regarded with respect and credibility.

For the majority of people who receive some form of psychoanalytic therapy, be it Freud-esque or modern psychoanalysis, the outcome is usually positive. Through a lot of hard work, many patients find a tremendous comfort through various forms of counseling, and the sorting of thoughts and emotions tend to make them more functional and able to live their lives much more happily.

Psychoanalytic therapy usually involves talking through one’s childhood, where poignant memories and influences are often uncovered. This can be particularly painful for an individual who has sustained some form of abuse before adulthood, however, purging this from the mind and soul can lead to an impressive release of burdens, causing a new and improved outlook on life. Psychoanalysis also focuses on present circumstances, ranging from work to family to personal triumphs or defeats. Working through these with an objective analyst assists the client in finding his true self and often clears his head when otherwise trapped in a difficult situation.

Also according to the NIMH, in the year 2004, approximately 32, 439 people died from suicide. As these numbers continue to grow, psychological programs such as those based in the Freudian school of thought become invaluable. Unfortunately, a social stigma that began back in Freud’s own neighborhood continues to grow and thwart these programs today.

Criticism of Psychoanalytic TherapyBe it a biologically based mental illness or an exceptionally hurtful event that is difficult to overcome, therapy in any form has been stigmatized for years. A preconceived idea that the patient of psychoanalysis is “weak” or “odd”, has been a battle generations have had to fight against. The inquisitive nature and impersonal approach of psychoanalysis lend to the argument that such procedures are abnormal and unacceptable.

While the majority of complaints against such procedures are invalid, there have been instances of “analysts” being revealed as frauds, and, as author Anthony Elliott argues in his book Psychoanalytic Theory, there is evidence of Freud botching his own theories and conclusions.

A final concern regarding even modern psychoanalysis is the power of suggestive thought. There have been instances of patients undergoing either talk therapy or more intensive hypnosis, and through the procedure managed to fabricate memories or thought processes. A small percentage of patients became convinced of past sexual abuse that never happened, began to project a physical abuser onto another, and became overwhelmed with deceptions from their mind. Sorting out fact from fiction has proven difficult after undergoing psychoanalytical treatment, however again this is a very small percentage.

The majority of psychotherapy patients improve rather than worsen.

Perhaps the largest risk that comes with psychoanalysis, is the fact we know so little about it. Many of Freud’s theories have proven to be rather abstract and disjointed, and it seems that his biggest fans in today’s generations have analyzed themselves out of ever needing analysis. Instead, everyday folks who have no scientific or psychological education are receiving these controversial treatments, often unaware of what they truly entail. There is always a risk that comes with digging deeply into the mind, and while we always hope for the outcome to be a positive one, many have internal demons yet to have been conquered. Psychoanalysis can bring these demons out, sometimes damaging those who have no ready defenses.

Fortunately, instances of damage or mental trauma due to psychoanalytic therapy are very rare. The majority of people who undergo such procedures usually do so once or twice a week for a few years and live to happily tell of victory. Freud’s theories and developments of enrichment for the psyche have helped countless individuals heal from bondage of the past, readying them to successfully live out the remainder of their lives.

Do You Have A Passive Aggressive Personality?Do you go out of your way to make concessions for others? Do you feel wronged when asked to do so? Or do you go with the flow, and treat each situation objectively and fairly? Depending upon your answer, you may be one of an ever-growing group who suffers from passive-aggressive behavior. Take the quiz to see where you fit in on the passive aggressive personality chart.